Vegan Carrot Oat Bars

When I announced this 'Bake-A-Thon', why didn't any of you warn me about how tough this will be? I don't really know what I was thinking. You see, I have so many baking books that my problem is to settle on what to bake next. And knowing the way I am, I will get some idea when I look at something and start something else. There was a carrot walnut bar recipe in one of the better homes and garden book that I have. I thought of making that but ended up changing so much that it became my recipe. If you like carrot cake, this is for you. If you don't like granola bars because they are a bit hard, you might like them. Throw in about a cup of raisins if you like them. By the way, if you want to see a recipe here on this blog, drop in a line. I might get ideas from your request.

One year back - Eggless Almond Date Cake
Two years back - Coconut Almond Cookies
Ingredients:(Makes generous 24 bars or medium sized 35 bars)
All purpose Flour - 1 1/2 cups (You could use whole wheat flour instead)
Rolled Oats - 1 cup
Sugar - 1 cup
Carrots grated - 2 cups
Baking Powder - 1 tsp
Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon - 1 tsp
Flax Meal - 2 TBSP
Warm water - 6 TBSP
Oil - 2/3 cup

Method:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 13 X 9 pan with vegetable oil spray. In a bowl, whisk together flax meal and warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, oats, cinnamon. When the flax and water mixture has thickened, beat it with a whisk and add oil to it continuing to beat. Pour the wet mixture to dry and stir. Fold in the grated carrots. It will loosen up a bit after you add carrots. Pour into the prepared pan and push to cover the entire pan. Smooth the top with the spatula. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I was using a new pan which doesn't conduct heat very well and it took me almost 35 minutes. Check at 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on the rack and slice when completely cool. These make healthy snacks that are great as a 'on the go' snack bars.

Today is day 7 of the bake-a-thon. Do drop in and check out what my Bake-A-Thon buddies are baking in their kitchens -  Susan, Preethi, Veena, Priya. Linking it up to Kid's delight - Vegan and egg less bakes hosted by Priya, started by Srivalli.

Enjoy.